This is hardly an example of theological excellence, but I
feel led to share my views of 1 Timothy 4:12-16. It is important
to realize what these verses teach and how to apply them. The
message I feel these verses portray is that we should be:

Examples for Christ

(Scripture taken from the New King James
Version. Copyright (c) 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson,
Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.)

(Cross-references listed at bottom.)

This title is derived with an idea of support behind it. We
are Christ's messengers. In His divine plan, He could have seen
fit to spread the Gospel by way of angelic messengers, yet He
chose us to spread His word! This is very uplifting to me, knowing
this. This is not meant to give anyone an heir of superiority
or the like, but it is meant to encourage Christians to be witnesses
for Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. A subsequent title could
be Imitators of Christ. This title has the implications
of what we are to do. We are to imitators of Christ.The
ideas portrayed in these 5 short verses should be examined in
light of the context-Timothy, a young pastor, being the recipient
of Paul's letter. It is also important to probe each verse and
extract every bit of information from it. Finally, one should
contemplate the true meaning of these verses and review some questions
that may help in one's search for truth in (the book of) Timothy.

The Context of Paul's Letter to Timothy

Paul had written to Timothy, obviously, being Paul's "true
son in the faith" [1 Timothy 1:2]. Evidently Paul had left
Timothy behind in Ephesus in order to exhort some to "teach
no other doctrine" [1 Tim. 1:3b]. Dr. John MacArthur asserts
that "Timothy was in his thirties, still young by the standards
of that culture..."[1]. So, this letter was written for 3
reasons, quite possibly:

1. To instruct Timothy concerning doctrine and behavior. (This
is seen in Paul's dissertation on prayer [1 Tim. 2:1-5], the roles
of men and women [2:8-12], qualifications for elders/overseers
and deacons [3:1-13], the treatment of widows and elders [5:1-19],
the role of masters [6:1-2], etc.

2. To exhort Timothy to live righteously (The idea is taken
from chapter 1, verse 18, and chapter 6, verses 20 and 21).

Although the message was written for a preacher, the teachings
of the 5 verses can apply to all of Christendom, especially younger
people (particularly the first point). Try to answer the questions
that are proposed as you read, and see if they are answered affirmatively.

Does One Have Reason to Despise Your Youth? [V. 12]

It is interesting to not that Paul does not stop with "Let
no one despise your youth" [v. 12], but continues on to say
"be an example...in word...in conduct...love...spirit...faith
[and] in purity." It is a necessity not to give people a
reason to despise your youthfulness. Adolescents that are out-of-control
are deserving of someone despising their behavior, but a consistently
faithful young person should not let someone look down upon their
youth. There are 6 areas listed here that can be expounded on.
As you read ask yourself this question: Is my (speech, conduct,
self-sacrifice, spiritual condition, faithfulness, purity), worthy
of imitation? Paul is worthy of imitation, for in Philippians
3:17, Paul encourages Philippian Christians in "following
[his] example...[as] a pattern." Paul tried very hard to
imitate Christ, so much in that he tells the Corinthian Christians
to "[i]mitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" [1
Corinthians 11:1]. Previously in 4:16 he had urged them to imitate
him. Consider the question above as you examine Paul's 6 areas
of spiritual conduct worth imitating:

1. In Word--Obviously this is the hardest to overcome. It is
quite possibly this reason as to why it is listed first in Paul's
6 exhortations of righteous conduct. James 3:2 sheds some light
on the difficult aspect of controlling the tongue, for it says
that "we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble
in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body."
Paul is using a hyperbole here in saying, through exaggeration,
that if one is able to control the tongue, he or she is a perfect
human being. We know he cannot mean sinless perfection, because
the Word of God states that "[i]f we say we have no sin,
we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" [1 John
1:8]. So, the obvious conclusion is that no one is able to control
the tongue, because no one is perfect.

2. In Conduct--Almost as hard as the taming of the tongue.
Romans 7:19-20 tells us how hard it is to control what we do while
in these fleshly bodies. It is of utmost importance, for a Christian
witness through model behavior is just as effective as a spoken
witness. 1 Peter 3:16 tells us that those who say evil things
about our conduct will be ashamed of themselves and what they
have spoken if we are truly display typical Christian behavior.
Good conduct is how we show the world just who we are...we are
Christians!

3. In Love--Particularly, this area speaks of humility and
servitude. This form of love serves. 1 Corinthians 13, obviously,
is a good chapter to read, if one is interested in learning what
this kind of love is. It is an "agape" love, in the
Greek, meaning an unconditional love. This kind of love is the
kind the world longs for, while it is also the kind the world
will never see displayed in its fullness apart from Christ. A
basic commandment from Christ's own lips tells us to "love
one another" [John 5:12].

4. In Spirit--The side note to the NKJV text mentions the doubtfulness
of this phrase's genuineness, so information on it is scarce.
It probably carries the idea of being an example of a spirit-filled
Christian. The world must see what it is that has empowered the
life of a believer. A preacher, layperson, etc. must not be propelled
by a desire for money, fame, or out of pride. What drives a person
towards being a good example should be the Holy Spirit.

5. In Faith--It is important to be an example of faithfulness.
Much like self-serving love, the secular scene needs to see a
genuine faith and trust in God from a Christian. Not only that
the world may see our faithfulness and come to know Christ Jesus
as Lord and Savior, we must be examples of faithfulness because
that is what God requires [1 Cor. 4:1-2]. Although God's Kingdom
is not a business, the same analogy applies to a business as it
does God's Kingdom. If employees do a poor job at what they do,
the business will probably be unsuccessful, so to promote the
Kingdom, we must be working our best...others are looking at how
faithful we are. Consider this, would you want others to be as
faithful as yourself in the areas of church attendance, Bible
study, prayer, witnessing, etc.?

6. In Purity--Most commentators recognize this as meaning sexual
purity. Even so, is your whole life generally pure. Slip-ups do
occur, but is your life characterized by purity? Just as in chapter
3, when discussing bishops/elders, he mentions them as being "blameless"
[v. 2]. Possibly just meaning, not to be held accountable of any
blatant or punishable crime.

In these 6 areas are contained powerful life-changing pieces
of advice. One commentator says that they "are all vital
constituents of Christian living. Carelessness in any one of these
areas can spell failure and even disaster" [2]. Another states
that "[t]hose who teach by their doctrine must teach by their
life, else they pull down with one hand what they build up with
the other" [3]. These areas are seen to be of great importance
of Paul in instructing Timothy, and we should heed this God-inspired
advice.

What Should We Practice to Help Us Become Worthy of Imitation?
[V. 13]

1. Bible reading-This refers mainly to the public reading of
the Word by Timothy to his congregation, but this can apply to
us all. Bible reading is very important at church. There are some
churches in the world that pay little attention to the reading
of the Word. Some items exist that I think are over-emphasized
above the Scriptures in today's churches (as for personal advice
in the area of Bible-reading, avoid churches that over-emphasize
these qualities):

1. Popularity--Some churches will have way too many church
"socials/functions" to draw in people, while sacrificing
the reading of the Scriptures in the meantime. There are churches
out there that draw in influential families in the city, or teens,
and give them reason to use the church as a social event or a
gainer of personal status, because the preacher doesn't use the
Bible enough.

2. Music--Yes, music is sometimes portrayed as more important
than the Word of God. I've been to churches where they might
have 30 minutes of singing, than a 5 minute sermonette. There's
nothing wrong with getting together to sing on special occasions,
but the regular mode of the church should not have more singing
than preaching. It is of far more importance that the Word of
God be applied to the hearts and minds for the Sanctification
of the Saints of God.

3. Entertainment--Still yet we have the group of "preachers"
who are nothing but comedians. They provide maybe an ounce of
milk, and then entertain the congregation the rest of the "sermon."
I have little respect for these kind of "sermons."
Grant it, there is such a thing as guest speakers like Mike Lowry,
for example, but again, the usual mode should contain the diligent
reading of the Scriptures.

4. Emotions--Sometimes, feelings play too big a role in today's
churches, especially of the Pentecostal branch. Many times, people
have emotional "experiences," and claim they are manifestations
of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, preachers will use the Word of
God burdensomely, as John Scotland shows when he sarcastically
remarks, "We will get to the reading for those that like
the reading" [4], at the "Toronto blessing" as
some call it. Many will have very little reading of God's Word
while they roll around in the floor. Now, I know a few Pentecostals
that are not like that, and I'm being very broad when I use the
term Pentecostal. Another Pentecostal is quoted as saying, "In
these latter days preaching and simply teaching the word is no
longer sufficient." Another article addressing a Pentecostal
preacher's sermon says that "[i]n [his] entire sermon not
a single Scripture was referenced, the Gospel was not preached"
[4].

Avoid churches that are portrayed by having these characteristics!
As for personal Bible-reading though, that is important as well.
Matthew 4:4 tells us that "Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." Evidently,
God's Word is more important for spiritual growth, as food is
for sustaining physical growth. That's pretty important!

2. Exhortation--MacArthur mentions that exhortation may involve
rebuking, warning, encouraging, and comforting others [1]; even
if we're not all preachers, every person can do this in their
own time. We all know of some sins that need rebuke. We all know
friends that might need a heartfelt warning in moments of sinfulness.
This aspect tells us what to DO after we have examined and hear
the Word of God, we should apply it to our lives, and then use
it to exhort others. The words exhort (and its variations) are
found 34 times in New Testament. Eighteen, possibly 21 if placing
Paul as the author of Hebrews, times in Paul's epistles alone.[5]
Obviously, Paul thought it was important.

3. Doctrine--Commonly thought of as dry seminary talk, Doctrine
is actually essential, and does not have to be a bunch of terms
and arguable ideas and systems of theology. MacArthur mentions
that this refers to "systematic instruction" from God's
Word. Why Doctrine, though? The answer is found in Titus 1:9.
When speaking of elders, he says that by sound doctrine, one can
"exhort and convict those who contradict." Sound Doctrine
and a solid understanding of the truths of Scripture can help
you exhort or convict those who contradict your beliefs. According
to Hiebert, "Christian truth needs not only defense against
attacks, but also clear exposition. Effective presentation of
the truth is a powerful antidote to error" [6]. One commentary
has it written that, "verse 9 suggests [that] doctrine has
a double application: exhortation and conviction-to instruct believers,
and to convict gainsayers" [7].

If one were to practice these 3 things consistently, a strong
Christian will be formed!

How Can We Gain Spiritual Fulfillment? [V. 14]

Very briefly, I just feel that this has been one of the things
that helps me to stay on track. Much like a business, an employee
will consider the company when diligently involved in work. So
it is in the Kingdom of God, you will find that the more work
people do for Christ, the less important secular things may seem.
While involved in working for Him, Satan has to try harder to
get you discouraged, because your mind is focused directly on
Him. Just as the more you focus on a target, the less likely things
will distract you. "Do not neglect the gift that is in you..."
[v. 14]. Pay attention to your duty, for we all have one. Whatever
it is that you may be doing, make sure and do it for Him [Colossians
3:17 & 23]!

What Should We Do with this Knowledge and the Advice Given?
[V. 15]

1. Meditate on it--It is vital that we ponder over Scripture,
so that we may truly understand it. One pair of commentators state
that, "As food would not nourish without digestion, which
assimilates the food to the substance of the body, so spiritual
food, in order to benefit us, needs to be appropriated by prayerful
meditation" [7]. The word implies the meaning of cultivation.
Much similar to a garden, the more one plows and digs through
the Scriptures, the fruits will be seen as well.

2. Devote your life to it--Why
is devotion so important? Apparently, so "that your progress
may be evident to all" [v.15]. You've all seen certain people;
he or she has such a strong devotion that people respect and admire,
whether they want to or not. Certain names spring to mind and
you might not like them (maybe because of jealousy, at times),
but you have to respect their devotion. Although incorrect in
the majority of their doctrines, Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons
are very devoted to their doctrine. Both groups, when examined
show progress, because they are gaining numbers. Why are we not
doing the same?

Have You Taken Heed to What You Believe? [V. 16]

As this last verse, verse 16, simply says, "Take heed
to yourself and to the doctrine." Take a moment and consider
these ideas. Are you really taking heed to what you believe? Could
people imitate you? Could people follow your beliefs? Selah [8].
Could you TRULY say "Imitate me, just as I...imitate Christ
[1 Cor. 11:1]?"

Why Should We be Faithful?

We're Christians! We are the representatives of Christ. Non-believers
are watching us EVERY DAY. It's true! There are younger Christians
who may use are behavior as an example to go by as well. I just
recently found a story that describes this behavior:

The story is told of an alcoholic father who stole out of the
house one winter night to go to his favorite tavern. He had not
gone far when he heard a soft crunching noise in the snow behind
him. When he asked his son what he was doing, the boy replied,
"I'm trying to follow in you footsteps, Dad." According
to the story, the man never took another drink.

I'm now reminded of a situation that occurred to me a while
back, and showed me the importance of being an example. My cousins,
teenagers, were watching a movie that had some foul language in
it with my younger, 4 or 5 year old, cousin in the room. Someone
in the movie called some one a nasty name, and everyone was in
their laughing. My cousin then, after seeing their example, came
into the room where I was, and uttered the words. I kindly corrected
him, only after thinking that I would have been in there with
them except I was busy on the computer. I would have been laughing
along with them! What kind of example are we portraying? What
would it be like if 5 year old children behaved exactly the way
we did. We would have to correct them, right? What kind of example
are we setting?

Can I truly say that I generally want everyone to imitate me?
No! I have a few good points, but none that outweigh my faults.
I can't say that I hope my children someday turn out just like
me, but God will continue changing me, for "He's still working
on me, to make me what I ought to be; it took Him just a week
to make the Moon, and the stars, the Sun, and the Earth, and Jupiter,
and Mars; how loving and patient He must be; He's still working
on me!" I remember singing that before He even began changing
me, and after I became a Christian, I can see how He's changed
me still.

NOTES

[1] MacArthur Study Bible
[2] Expositors' Bible Commentary (1 Tim.)
[3] Matthew Henry Commentary
[4] http://www.bible.ca (I
disagree with A LOT of the material on this page, so if you choose
to follow the link, be cautious...also, I didn't mention the names
of the preachers mentioned on this page out of lack of assurance
of the genuineness of this page's research, but I do know that
what they said could very well be true based on what I've heard
from the mouths of Pentecostal preachers in the past.)
[5] Word searches accomplished by Strong's Concordance
[6] Expositors' Bible Commentary (Titus)
[7] http://ccel.wheaton.edu/j/jfb/jfb/JFB54.htm
[8] Hebrew word meaning to "pause." Taken from Strong's
Concordance
[9] MacArthur NT Commentary Matt. 16-23